Earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) can significantly enhance your career prospects by providing advanced knowledge in business management and leadership.
Online MBA programs offer flexibility for working professionals who want to pursue higher education without interrupting their careers.
Here’s a curated list of eleven one-year online MBA programs that combine convenience with high-quality education.
One Year Online MBA Programs List
1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Kenan-Flagler Business School
Overview
UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School offers an accelerated online MBA known as the MBA@UNC. The program is designed to be completed in as little as 18 months, making it feasible to finish within one year with intensive study.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA requirements
- Professional work experience (typically 2-5 years)
- GMAT or GRE scores may be required
How to Apply:
Applications are submitted online through the MBA@UNC application portal.
2. University of Southern California – Marshall School of Business
Overview
USC’s Marshall School of Business offers an online MBA program that can be completed in as few as 21 months, depending on the course load taken each term. It’s structured to accommodate working professionals seeking an accelerated path to their MBA.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA requirements
- Professional work experience (typically 4-6 years)
- GMAT or GRE scores may be required
How to Apply:
Applications are submitted online through the USC Marshall School of Business application portal.
3. Carnegie Mellon University – Tepper School of Business
Overview
Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University offers an online MBA program designed for completion in 18 months. The program provides a blend of flexibility and rigorous coursework to prepare students for leadership roles.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA requirements
- Professional work experience (typically 3-7 years)
- GMAT or GRE scores may be required
How to Apply:
Applications are submitted online through the Tepper School of Business application portal.
4. University of Florida – Warrington College of Business
Overview
UF’s Warrington College of Business offers an accelerated online MBA that can be completed in as little as 16 months. The program emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and strategic decision-making.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA requirements
- Professional work experience (typically 2-5 years)
- GMAT or GRE scores may be required
How to Apply:
Applications are submitted online through the UF Warrington College of Business application portal.
5. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Gies College of Business
Overview
Gies College of Business offers an online MBA known as the iMBA, which can be completed in 18-36 months. The program allows students to accelerate their studies based on their prior academic and professional background.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA requirements
- Professional work experience (typically 4-6 years)
- GMAT or GRE scores may be required
How to Apply: Applications are submitted online through the Gies College of Business application portal.
6. University of Michigan – Ross School of Business
Overview
Ross School of Business offers an online MBA program designed for completion in as little as 18 months. The program integrates rigorous coursework with opportunities for leadership development and global immersion.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA requirements
- Professional work experience (typically 5-7 years)
- GMAT or GRE scores may be required
How to Apply:
Applications are submitted online through the Ross School of Business application portal.
7. George Washington University – School of Business
Overview
GW’s School of Business offers an online MBA program that can be completed in as few as 18 months. The program focuses on strategic leadership and global perspectives to prepare students for success in a competitive business environment.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA requirements
- Professional work experience (typically 3-6 years)
- GMAT or GRE scores may be required
How to Apply:
Applications are submitted online through the GW School of Business application portal.
8. Villanova University – Villanova School of Business
Overview
Villanova School of Business offers an online MBA program designed for completion in 21 months. The program emphasizes ethical leadership, innovation, and strategic management skills.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA requirements
- Professional work experience (typically 4-6 years)
- GMAT or GRE scores may be required
How to Apply:
Applications are submitted online through the Villanova School of Business application portal.
9. University of Massachusetts Amherst – Isenberg School of Management
Overview
Isenberg School of Management offers an online MBA program that can be completed in as little as 20 months. The program provides a comprehensive curriculum with a focus on leadership, analytics, and global business.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA requirements
- Professional work experience (typically 3-5 years)
- GMAT or GRE scores may be required
How to Apply:
Applications are submitted online through the Isenberg School of Management application portal.
10. University of Maryland – Robert H. Smith School of Business
Overview
Robert H. Smith School of Business offers an online MBA program designed for completion in 16-24 months. The program emphasizes innovation, entrepreneurship, and global perspectives.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA requirements
- Professional work experience (typically 4-7 years)
- GMAT or GRE scores may be required
How to Apply:
Applications are submitted online through the Robert H. Smith School of Business application portal.
11. Rice University – Jones Graduate School of Business
Overview
Jones Graduate School of Business offers an online MBA program that can be completed in as little as 11 months. The program is designed for experienced professionals seeking to advance their careers with a rigorous and immersive learning experience.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA requirements
- Professional work experience (typically 5-8 years)
- GMAT or GRE scores may be required
How to Apply:
Applications are submitted online through the Jones Graduate School of Business application portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are online one-year MBA programs credible?
Yes, reputable universities offering one-year online MBA programs maintain the same rigorous academic standards as their on-campus counterparts. It’s essential to choose an accredited program recognized by employers and industry leaders.
2. Can I work full-time while completing a one-year online MBA program?
Yes, one-year online MBA programs are designed with the flexibility to accommodate working professionals. However, the workload may require effective time management and dedication to balance work and studies.
3. What are the benefits of completing an MBA in one year online?
Completing an MBA in one year online allows you to accelerate your career advancement by acquiring advanced business skills and credentials quickly. It also minimizes the time spent away from work and family commitments compared to traditional two-year programs.
Conclusion
Completing an MBA in one year online requires dedication and a focused approach to coursework. These programs offer flexibility for busy professionals who want to advance their careers without taking time off from work.
Each program listed provides a pathway to acquiring advanced business knowledge and leadership skills that are essential in today’s competitive global marketplace.